The Author's Apology

MY DEAR: "When at the first I took my pen in hand Thus for to write, I did not understand That I at all should make a little book In such a mode; nay, I had undertook To make another, which, when almost done, Before I was aware I this begun. ... But yet I did not think To show to all the world my pen and ink In such a mode; I only thought to make— I knew not what: nor did I undertake Thereby to please my neighbor; no, not I, I did it mine own self to gratify." * * * * * * * * And thus it was, one bright September day, Full suddenly I finished "By The Way."